In an email to customers, AWS noted that the launch of Direct Connect in Seattle provides local customers with direct connection access to the AWS US West (Oregon) region, which it stated is a frequently requested capability.

From the AWS email: "If you have equipment running at Equinix SE2, you can use AWS Direct Connect to optimize its connection to AWS. If your equipment is located elsewhere, you can work with one of our partners to establish a connection to an AWS Direct Connect location, and on to AWS from there."

Additionally, the AWS Direct Connect feature in Seattle also supports AWS GovCloud (US), giving Equinix customers the ability to also transfer data from the data center directly to GovCloud.

Since AWS Direct Connect was rolled out in Equinix's Ashburn, Virginia data center, the technology has spread out to several of Equinix's data centers, including in Silicon Valley, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and, of course, Seattle.

According to Equinix, the access to Direct Connect at its data centers enables customers to lower network costs into and out of AWS because they can bypass the public Internet and take advantage of reduced data transfer rates.

"By leveraging AWS Direct Connect inside Equinix data centers, customers can take advantage of the cost savings and performance benefits of hybrid environments. As we continue to support expansion of the AWS Direct Connect service to new markets, we are removing barriers to adoption and enabling customers to deliver on the promise of cloud computing," said Chris Sharp, general manager, cloud and content for Equinix, in a prepared statement.

Equinix currently runs two Seattle data centers, both of which are now outfitted with the AWS Direct Connect service.